Sunday, November 21, 2010

Gunflint Martini

Last year I first encountered Clear Creek's Douglas Fir when I stopped in at W. A. Frost's after seeing my brother's art show. I spotted the unique bottle immediately and the bartender let me try a sample. I became obsessed with trying to obtain my own vessel of this original liquor.

After finding that my favorite liquor store, Chicago Lake, didn't carry it, I tried Surdyk's. If anyone might carry this, they would, I thought. They did have a nice selection from the Clear Creek Distillery, but alas, no Douglas Fir. I was informed by the staff that they could special order it for me, but I'd have to by it by the case. (Much as I wanted it, I didn't need 12 bottles.)

So I contacted the company directly. And after a few emails with their sales staff, they agreed to ship me a personal bottle (after charging me for the shipping). It has adorned my bar shelf in glory ever since. I imagined I might make some sort of holiday themed martini out of it one day.

Then tonight, a moment of inspiration hit and I decided to try an outlandish cocktail. And it worked! The lemon/pine tree/peppermint concoction seems unlikely but equates to a completely unique and crisp flavour. I love it! After a few suggestions via facebook, I decided to dub it the Gunflint martini after the famous trail in Northern Minnesota. As to me, the drink reminisces of fresh snow in the northern forest on a blisteringly cold morning.

3 oz Absolut Citron

2 oz Clear Creek Douglas Fir infused Brandy

Splash of Rumplemintz

Sprig of Pine Branch

Chill an up glass with crushed ice and water. Shake all liquid ingredients with ice in a shaker until it sweats and strain into the glass. Careful with the Rumplemintz as it's very overpowering. Just a dash will do. Garnish with the pine sprig. (Or as in the picture, a snipping of my Arborvitae bush from outside.)